Truth: I made C's in all my science classes. I don't know why but I just didn't care to know how everything worked. Fast forward many years and I am finding myself greatly influenced by science and a certain Celestial body; the Moon.

According to H.H. Mitchell, Journal of Biological Chemistry 158, the brain and heart are composed of 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water. The skin contains 64% water, muscles and kidneys are 79%, and even the bones are watery: 31%. So it's no joke that the gravitational forces of the Moon have a great effect not just not our planet's bodies of water (the oceans) but also on OUR bodies of water!

Like the Moon pulls in the tide, she stirs your energy. With her full, glowing light, you feel alive and breathless and creative. With her dark, empty nights, you feel introspective and alone. She feeds you every day with her energy and her love. She controls your cycles and your rhythm. She IS you.

The Lunar Effect is a great example. This is the "belief that there is correlation between specific stages of the Earth's lunar cycle and behavior in animals (including humans), that cannot simply be explained by variation in light levels." You have probably heard sayings like "the crazies will come out on the Full Moon" or you may be aware that your own energy or anxiety levels increase during a Full Moon. While many of notice this effect, a more subtle change comes about in us during a New Moon.

copyright: Lydia Jarjoura

When the Moon is at it's darkest point in it's orbit, it's in its New Moon phase. During this time, our introspective nature takes precedence over our controlled thought patterns. Our shadow selves are at the forefront and, although subtle, there can be a noticeable different in our levels of creativity and moodiness. Because this New Moon phase is considered the beginning of the Moon's Cycle (Day 1), it's a potent time to set intentions for the month ahead. This can be done through meditation, journaling or joining in ceremony with others.

The New Moon is a time to re-calibrate our Selves and regain our balance. Setting intentions for this moment, next month or the future is such a giant step on the path of self-care.

To take part in your own New Moon Ceremony, grab a candle, paper and a pen and a quiet space. Light your candle. Take a few moments to settle into your space, sitting on the ground or a chair as you breathe in and out, deeply, three times. With each inhale, draw your breath out longer, and with each exhale, breathe a little deeper.

Take some time to envision yourself one month from now. What are you doing? Who are you with? What do YOU want? Spend a few moments envisioning exactly where you'd like to see yourself. Then write down your intentions for the coming month. This could be one word, like "peace" or a statement of change. Write anything and everything that comes up.

Hold your paper close to your heart and end your ritual with three deep breaths again. Blow your intentions out into your candle.

Take some time in the coming weeks to look back at your intentions and see them as they blossom into possibilities you may never have dreamed of!